The Best Lemonade Ever

Fall may be here (or just around the corner), but one thing I'm completely unwilling to let go of is the delicious, refreshing taste of homemade lemonade. Sure, this would be best enjoyed in the sun out on my deck, but just because it's raining and chilly doesn't mean I love it any less.

The Best Lemonade Ever

8 lemons (~ 1 1/3 cups juice)
Zest 4 lemons
1 1/3 cups water
1 cup sugar
5-6 cups cold water

Wash your lemons, and zest about half of them. If you really feel so inclined you can zest them all!

In a small saucepan, mix together 1 1/3 cups water, 1 cup sugar, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer to make a simple syrup, remove from heat and let steep for a few minutes.

Juice your lemons. To get them to release their juice more readily, roll the lemons under the palms of your hands, back and forth, until they soften up and feel squishy. Cut and juice.

Strain your juice to remove any seeds, and strain the simple syrup to remove the pieces of zest.

Combine juice, syrup & cold water in a pitcher. Add more water if this is too strong, but I find that 5 cups is just about perfect. Also, if you find this too sour, you can add another 1/3 cup sugar to sweeten it up just a little.

Refrigerate 'til cold, and serve with ice.

Yield: About 7 cups